March 2026 – The 5th Spring for the “loup blanc”

So here’s a little note of joy;

Because the daisies are already here;

Because we finally need to celebrate an end—the end of the relentless rain of January and February. Let’s not even mention that widely discussed episode; well, actually, a tiny bit is necessary, out of empathy and solidarity with those affected by the floods in the West… Plouhinec, thanks to its elevation above sea level, was relatively spared in comparison. In short, let’s put that behind us and welcome the return of the sun.

Because I think I promised a post about the future of our old reception container!

Because some of you might want to know how construction is progressing at Le Loup Blanc?

And then, as always, for the sheer pleasure of writing and sharing.

So, without further ado, here are the ideas that came out of the box-shaped hat last summer. As a reminder, the prompt given to our creative campers was as follows: “The campground’s current reception area is moving to the new central building in 2026. What ideas do you have for the future of the current reception container?”

Here are the results of the vote count, presented in a very organized manner 😊:

Number of ballots (Post-it notes or other medium): 63; number of invalid ballots: 0 (no censorship!)

And then, listed here in no particular order, are the most unexpected answers (or are they?):

A brothel;

a bat house (they’ll feast on the mosquitoes) – Editor’s note: We’re trying and trying, but it’s not easy to attract these little nocturnal mammals;

a vegetable garden with fruits and vegetables – Note that since 2025, Paul and Boubou have established “ les lundi du potager” (“Vegetable Garden Mondays”),

a vegetable garden with cannabis;

an astrological observatory;

a campground security post with cameras and a listening system throughout the campground;

my year-round home – Proposal signed, we won’t say by whom; a Swiss chalet with fondue, raclette, and apricot liqueur, and with the waiter’s accent – same signatory;

a two-story building with a slide – diagram included – and games on the ground floor;

a room with a statue of Boubou,

a campsite (?),

another idea that has nothing to do with the reception (it was mentioned that way—but we don’t even censor off-topic suggestions at Loup Blanc, especially since they’re always interesting): organize a traditional dance party with a group that could teach the dances! Editor’s note: We did this with the KENLEUR TOUR in late July 2025; yes, it was really, really fun, and we’ll try to do it again;

a lookout point up high;

a soundproof room where you can scream and/or lock up annoying kids.

This speaks for itself, but it sure gave us a good laugh!

Thanks again to everyone who shared their ideas for the future of this container—a modest space, yet one that played such a vital role in the early days of our journey. Let’s hope it continues to thrive in the years to come.

So, what are we going to do with it in 2026?

First, we’re calling it “l’Annexe”. The annexe (in french) is a small secondary boat used to get ashore when the main vessel is at anchor. This way, we’re staying true to the local maritime terminology. As a reminder, at the campground, the RECEPTION was subtitled (or rather, “over-titled”): the CAPITAINERIE (CAPTAIN’S OFFICE).

As for its purpose, since it was so popular and also because for now this seems the simplest and most natural option, we’re going to turn it into a relaxation area. You’ll find books and board games there, and we’ll try to make this space as welcoming as possible.

Depending on available space, this area may also serve as a place to collect and make available items, equipment, and clothing.

So that’s the plan for this season: a fresh start for this annex in 2026.

First off, regarding the outdoor area in front of the Annexe, there will be a major new addition: a babyfoot (free of charge, of course); calling all fans!

So, how are things progressing at Le Loup Blanc?

May I return to the topic of the dry toilets? They’re almost ready for use; all that’s missing are a few accessories, which are oh so important, such as the door locking mechanism (mind you, we mustn’t find ourselves locked inside the cabin, even if it is very comfortable – yes, we reckon we’re well placed to have the finest dry toilets in France; and there I corrected myself straight away: in the world! It’s true that you have to aim for the moon to reach the stars… End of digression); so we’re missing the lock, the bucket for the wood shavings, the little mirror, the coat hook, and everything else that will gradually find its place in this little corner!

When our friends visited with Boubou (the one who, no, won’t be getting his statue in the Annexe despite all the admiration we have for him), the wooden ‘skirts’ around the two new mobile homes were also made. These are ‘covers’ fitted at the base of the accommodation units or terraces; it looks nicer that way, like a long skirt hiding ugly shoes, really. I’m mentioning it because otherwise no one notices (well, they see without really seeing, a bit like me often) and yet it’s a lot of work! Paul will tell you it’s to please his wife (certainly), but I think he’s often more demanding than I am, so it’s also an excuse to do a good job just as he likes.

Visually, from the outside, the work carried out this winter hasn’t been particularly spectacular, as it has mainly involved finishing touches inside the main building (electrical work, painting, and the installation of extractor hoods in the ground-floor kitchen; insulation, plasterboard, plumbing, electrical work and the terrace on the upper floor); but it has been (and still is) intense nonetheless.

The installation of the covered terrace in front of the future reception area and the snack (la Cambuse) should be more visible this month; as well as the completion of the reception counter/desk and the final fitting-out of the grocery section (phew, still a lot to do!)

On the list of works that are more or less invisible depending on the observer: almost all of the exterior cladding on the wooden house built last spring (on the upper floor of the central building) has been treated (with a protective wood stain). A week of sunshine (at last!) and there he is, Paul, at the top of his ladder, 6 metres up, paintbrush and then sponge in hand (and I (who hardly helped at all) prayed there wouldn’t be any falls! Phew!)

Despite everything, we often find ourselves wondering, ‘What on earth have we done today?’ How time flies! For me, as someone who isn’t heavily involved in the building work but is happily involved in all the decisions, it’s all about management and day-to-day life – both ordinary and extraordinary – in our surroundings, which, for those who love simplicity and nature, are quite wonderful.

We look forward to sharing this environment with you – we’re opening in a month!

Can’t wait to open? Er… can’t wait for spring, anyway.

Sylvie